§ 58. Commander Keransasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what is the future of the Reserve Fleet, West Hartlepool; and how many service and non-service men are employed.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingIn line with the Reserve Fleet plan announced in106W 1957 and the recommendations of the Select Committee on the Reserve Fleet, we are making economies by concentrating ships in fewer ports and this summer we shall withdraw ships from Barry, Cardiff and Penarth. A further measure of concentration is likely to take place next year and the port or ports involved will be given as much notice as possible, but I cannot say now whether Hartlepool will be affected. In making our plans, we are taking into account employment at the various ports as well as naval considerations. At Hartlepool 190 civilians and 26 naval personnel are employed on Reserve Fleet ships.